Great Living Cincinnatians
James A.D. Geier
Awarded in 1996
James A.D. Geier walks proudly in the footsteps of the Geier family legacy - selfless contributions to Cincinnati, and the outstanding success and growth of Cincinnati Milacron Inc. At the same time, he has made his own imprint on each with his uncompromising vision and dedication.
Geier, 70, joined Cincinnati Milacron in 1951 and was CEO from 1970 to 1990. He guided the company's diversification and growth in high-technology fields. He also made a significant contribution to the organization of the Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Sciences.
But perhaps it's his work for the community that best defines him. Like his father and grandfather, Geier has dedicated himself to the Community Chest and, like them, chaired a successful United Way campaign.
"Our attitude has always been the community has been good to the Geiers and we have always tried to reciprocate," he said.
Geier was president of The Children's Home of Cincinnati, and has served on the advisory committee of the Beech Acres General Protestant Orphan Home.
Geier has served on the boards of numerous community organizations, and was the Chamber chairman in 1984. A founding member of the Cincinnati Business Committee, he spearheaded the Cincinnati Progress Committee, which evolved into Downtown Cincinnati Inc.
Geier downplays his contributions.
"Life is fun if you do a lot of things and meet a lot of people," he said. "I've worked with thousands of people in the community. It's a thrill."